Fractures are among the common injuries that are reported across the globe. Some cases are mild, some are moderate, and some of them are severe. Severe fractures are known to require surgery for the treatment and to stabilize the fractured bone fragments during the surgery, Orthopedic Implants are applied.
There are many locations where fractures are commonly noticed and one of them is the wrist. In this post, we will talk about wrist fractures (Distal Radius Fractures) in detail along with their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Are Distal Radius Fractures?
Radius is one of the two bones that are present in the forearm, and this one is there on the thumb’s side. The part of the radius that is connected to the wrist joint is known as the distal radius, and this is one of the commonest areas that experience fractures. So, a fracture occurring at this location is known as a distal radius fracture.
The fractures occurring at the distal radius can be isolated ones or occur as compound fractures where ulna is also affected. When both the bones present in the forearm are affected, the condition is known as the radius and ulna fractures.
What Are the Types of Distal Radius Fractures?
Depending upon the angle of distal radius break, these fractures can be classified into two types:
Colles Fracture
Colles fracture is a condition that generally occurs due to a direct impact on the palm. This may be the situation when someone tries to break a fall using their hands and hits his/her palms on the ground with a great impact. As the broken end of the distal radius moves upwards, the appearance of Colles fracture is compared to a fork that is facing down.
Smith Fracture
The other type of distal radius fracture is known as Smith Fracture. This is less common when compared to Colles fracture. Smith fracture generally occurs when someone falls on the bent wrist. Unlike Colles fracture, the distal radius shifts towards the palm side in this case.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with this Condition?
The common symptoms that may be noticed with distal radius fracture include:
- Immediate intense pain
- Tenderness with touch
- Swelling and bruising around the wrist
- Deformity around the wrist
How Distal Radius Fractures Are Diagnosed?
During the diagnosis of the condition, the healthcare service provider will ask about the symptoms and history of recent injuries. A detailed physical examination will also give a good idea about the distal radius break. Here, the healthcare service provider will examine visible signs that include deformity, swelling, and painful areas. The range of motion of the wrist will also be examined.
For the conclusive results, imaging tests like x-ray, CT-scan, and/or MRI will be performed.
How is the Condition Treated?
Depending upon the severity and the type of break, both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for the treatment of distal radius fracture.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If the bone is not displaced much after the fracture and no severe symptoms are seen, the healthcare service provider will apply a plaster cast to heal the bones. In certain cases, a splint may be applied. But before the application of a cast or a splint, it is important to make sure that the broken bone fragments are aligned in their correct anatomy.
Surgical Treatment
Severe cases of distal radius fracture where the broken bone is displaced too much require surgery. In such cases, open reduction and internal fixation is performed to realign broken bones. For internal fixation, Orthopedic Implants Plates, Metal Pins, wires, and/or screws will be used.
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